Yes, we're still alive!

For some reason I seem to forget about this blog until I'm having a bad day and need to vent.  Today is no exception.   So instead of dwelling in my self-pity, I'm going to catch up on all the fun and exciting (including some not-so-exciting) things we have been up to.  So sit back, relax, and try not to fall asleep!

 (More pictures from my cell phone to follow tomorrow...)

First Day of Kindergarten

Kindergarten has been such a great thing for Coop.  He has made new friends, has girls chasing him at recess, and loves being a Mr. Independent.  It was a struggle for me at first, but now I know how happy he is and how much he enjoys school. I can only hope it stays that way.  I love how excited he is to see me after school each day.  All I can do is cherish each moment, because I know pretty soon he'll be a really big kid who is too cool to run up and hug his mommy after school.  He is such a good kid and I love being his mom.

Press Conference

This picture probably doesn't have a whole lot of meaning to anyone who reads my blog, but this was actually the most significant event of the summer for me.  The 5 months up to this point had been spent doing my campaign work up to 40+ hours a week.  It was very demanding, there was a TON of work to do, but I loved being part of something so exciting.  Then this photo happened and my world changed. A lot!  Jason had been thinking about running for Senate, but at this press conference he had made a swift decision to stay in the House.  It was disappointing and a HUGE relief all at the same time.  There is still a lot of work to be done, but I'm able to spend so much more time with my kids and the pressure of a multi-million dollar senate race is no longer on my mind. It has turned out to be such a blessing for me and my family and I'm very thankful for the decision Jason made.  

But I'm not going to lie... it sure would have been quite the ride... 

Random Jack Cute-ness

This little guy can be such a challenge, but those moments when he smiles, hugs, or gives a very rare kiss make being his mom so worth it!  I love my little bug!

Party Time!

Cooper turned 6 this summer!  It's totally crazy to me that my baby is growing up so fast.  I gave him the option of having a few friends and go somewhere for his party, or inviting as many as he wanted and having it in our back-yard.  He loved the idea of not having to leave anyone out, so we had quite the gang in our backyard.  We didn't do anything fancy, just pizza, sprinklers, slides, and cupcakes, but the kids all seemed to have a good time.  Luckily, Cooper is not like me, and he is able to make friends really easily so it was a lot of fun to invite so many kids over. 

St. George - 2011

 It's become such a fun tradition to go to St. George every summer with Derek's family.  This year was no exception.  The kids are always exhausted from the countless hours of playing with cousins, the boys brave the 100+ degree temperatures to go golfing, and the girls manage to fit in a few plays and lots of shopping.  I'm so lucky to have married into such a fantastic family!  We even were able to so spend some time with my sister and her girls while we were down there.  My kids were in cousin heaven!

Fiesta Days Rodeo

 

Date night at the rodeo with Derek and Cooper.  I'm one lucky girl!

Spanish Oaks Golf Competition

Cooper was able to go up to Spanish Oaks to play in a skills challenge against other kids.  He did awesome and managed to have a lot of fun at the same time.

 Derek even gave Jack his first golf lesson.  Jack seemed to love it!

His award!  He was so proud to wear his medal.

Art Work

Cooper loves to draw and is always giving me pictures.  This is a picture he drew of me. I'm pretty sure that's what I look like when I wake up.  : )

Truck Load of Lemons

This morning I was given a big ol' truck load of lemons.  I know the saying is that I should make lemonade and yada yada yada.... But I'm really not in the mood for lemonade today.  I'd like to take the lemons and throw them back at the people who gave them to me.

 But instead, I'll take the mature aproach and.....

I guess I'll make Lemon Bars.

I love this recipe!

Crust
2 Cups Flour
1/2 Cup Powdered Sugar
1 Cup Butter (use the real stuff!)

Cut in butter with pastry knife or fork until clings together. Place in 13x9 pan and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until lightly brown.

Beat Together:
4 Beaten Eggs
1/3 Cup Lemon Juice
1/4 Cup Flour
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
1/2 tsp. Baking Powder

Pour over crust and bake for again for 25 minutes.  Sprinkle with additional powdered sugar.  Cool completely before serving.


Seriously though... It's been a rough morning!!!
Hopefully eating a giant lemon bar will make me feel better.  : )

Kindergarten Blues

Cooper is officially signed up for Kindergarten in the fall and I'm not sure how I feel about it.  I'm still in denial that my baby is old enough to go to school every day. 

He is growing up way too fast!

Pet Peeve of the Day...

Sorry, just gotta get this one out....

Why in the world do some people think they are so important that they don't need to park in the regular parking lot at Macey's?  Seriously, (man in large truck, I'm talking to you!) you are not entitled to park in the fire lane in front of the store just because you have a loud, obnoxious truck!  If anyone should be able to park there, it should be the poor pregnant lady with 6 kids to unload from her mini-van who had to park at the back of the lot. 

People who think they are "special" and don't have to follow the rules Drive.   Me.   Nuts!

I love this video!

Comfort Zone of Fluff

I was fortunate enough to attend the General Primary Leadership Training at Temple Square last night. It was such a great meeting and I feel so blessed to have been there. They didn't talk about anything new or grand, but it really clarified where my focus should be. The thing that stood out the most was getting away from the "fluff" and focusing on bringing the kids closer to Christ. The fluff has always been the most fun and what I have spent a lot of time on, but I'm excited to jump in feet first and really focus on gospel principles and helping them feel the Holy Ghost. It seems overwhelming to plan a sharing time without creating my "comfort zone of fluff". I have a lot of studying and praying to do because it's going to be much harder than my normal routine of making cute handouts and fun visual aids, but I'm excited for the challenge!

It's Only Taken 30 Years to Figure Out...

IT'S OKAY TO BE AN INTROVERT!

I honestly can't believe it's taken me 30 years to figure that out. The other day a Facebook friend posted something about how they love being an introvert. That concept hasn't ever occured to me because it's been such a negative thing in my eyes. I've always known that I have a very introverted personality, but I've never stopped to think that it's okay. I am an introvert and I'm ready to embrace it. I'm done trying to "fix" it.

I don't think many people really understand me. I think introverts in general are viewed as lacking social skills, shy, quiet, rude, grumpy, and snotty. For the people who have really taken the time to get to know me, they will know that isn't me at all.

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I'm so excited to read and learn more about why I am the way I am.

Hooray for new discoveries!